Assignment 2-2, Icon Analysis

              What do the Statue of Liberty, Michael Jackson and Pac-Man all have in common?  They are all pop culture icons that have survived the test of time and remain recognizable to the masses.  Popular culture icons represent importance and value to the people who embrace their significance.

            The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States from France.  It symbolizes freedom and liberty.   It is visited by millions each year and is one of the most recognizable icons throughout the world.  It is one of the first things new immigrants were introduced to as they came to this country through the New York harbor.  Throughout the years, the image of the Statue of Liberty has been used in movies, on stamps, license plates, and coins just to name a few.  I do not know exactly why I am drawn to it, except that these days I find myself drawn to all things American.  I have never visited the Statue of Liberty, but have it on my "bucket list".

            Is there anyone who does not know Michael Jackson?  According to the New York Daily News.com, he is number 5 on the list of the top pop culture icons of the past 50 years.  He started out singing with his brothers as the Jackson Five and can claim holding the record for most albums sold with Thriller.  Millions of fans worldwide adored him.  They would scream and cry, just like with Elvis or the Beatles.  He moonwalked and everyone was doing it.  Let's not forget the single white glove that became a Michael Jackson symbol.  Just like Elvis, there are Michael Jackson impersonators everywhere.  I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five.  My friends and I would watch his videos on MTV and VH1 over and over.  We tried to dance like him too.  Michael Jackson was known as the king of pop and will always be recognized as such.  Just like Elvis, he has left an impression on the world that will forever remain.

            Pac-Man is actually "one of the most recognizable pop-culture icons of 80s America" (2010).  It is a simple video game that was featured in its own movie, was a cartoon, breakfast cereal and a board game.  When Ms. Pac-Man was introduced to gamers, more women could be found at the arcade.  Pac-Man is also seen as the game that "helped videogames break into the mainstream awareness like no other videogame" (2010).  I have fond memories of Pac-Man tournaments with friends and family.  In fact, a good friend of mine gave me a retro Pac-Man game for Christmas.  My husband and I play it on our iPad, too.  This past Halloween, some neighborhood folks were dressed as Pac-Man and the four ghosts (Blinky, Pinky, Inkey and Clyde)  and just ran down the middle of the street.  It was awesome!